New festival coming soon

THREE days of music, food and fun have been planned for Bendigo this Spring.

Almost Summer, part of the State Government’s Always Live music initiative, is a new festival set to take place at the rear of the Capital Theatre.

Headlined by all-women band Kardajala Kirridarra, electronic group Black Cap, psychedelic rock group Bananagun and indie outfit Cool Sounds, the event has been put together to cater for all music lovers.

Festival director Lior Alpeck-Ripka said it will be a unique experience, providing “a sense of community in a relaxed atmosphere.”

“It’s a really boutique, intimate live music audience experience,” she said. “Tickets are capped at 500 a day… seeing music in that kind of atmosphere; it’s what I’d want to do.”

Ms Alpeck-Ripka is the founder of Hear Them Holler, and recently hosted the Burning Love concert series at the Engine Room for touring artists, to perform and pay homage to Elvis Presley.

“The Elvis exhibition was obviously huge in Bendigo,” she said. “We had a lot to lean on but there was a clear appetite that there is a real opportunity for live music and for contemporary touring musicians to play in Bendigo.

“I think it’s just about putting the pieces of the puzzle together, having affordable ticket pieces, having the right venue.”

Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung singer songwriter Carissa Nyalu, now based on the Mornington Peninsula, said she’s excited to be a part of the line-up.

“It’s always great to be invited back to country; It’s really special to perform on country,” she said.

She also said it’s great to see the State Government giving musicians more opportunities to perform, especially in regional areas.

The festival takes place with the stage door and loading bay of the Capital Theatre as the centre stage, with food vans and a pop-up Bendigo Vinyl shop set up outdoors for patrons to browse.

Bendigo Venues and Events manager Julie Amos said the festival shows Bendigo’s music scene has made significant progress in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve been so busy in Bendigo, it’s one of the most successful reopening in regional Victoria, thanks also to Elvis: Direct from Graceland,” she said.

“I think it’s really important we embrace our musicians and our technical staff and provide opportunities for a full recovery from the pandemic.

“This event signifies that moment that we’re not in recovery, we’re back, we’re guns blazing and there’s new initiatives.

“This is a great new festival that will hopefully have a big future in Bendigo for many years to come.”

Almost Summer takes place from 25 to 27 November.